When two lovers get engaged, it is typical practice for the man to purchase a beautiful diamond ring and place it on the left finger of his beloved – why? Well, this tradition can actually be linked back to the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. They believed that the circular shape of the ring symbolized eternity; however, wearing a ring in recognition of marriage did not become prominent until Roman times. Their rings were usually made of iron, but gold bands became more popular, and later were combined with beautiful jewels that symbolized things like the heart (ruby) and the heavens (sapphire). Because of its hard substance, the most coveted and meaningful of all precious gems was the diamond, symbolizing “the unconquerable.” The Greeks also believed diamonds to be fragments of fallen stars sent down from the Heavens, granting unearthly protection to the wearer. The birthplace of diamonds was in India, where they were thought to be a shield against the forces of evil. Since their discovery, the world has always been enthralled with the seemingly mystical powers that diamonds behold, making it the perfectly timeless betrothal gift.The wearing of the rings on the left hand “ring finger” began with the Egyptians who believed that the vena amoris, or vein of love, went directly from the heart all the way to the tip of this digit. Men started wearing wedding bands in the early 1300s, when the concept was introduced by the Greek Orthodox church. However, the tradition did not take off in the United States until the early 1900s during World War II. When they were unsure whether or not they would be able to return to their lover, the men would be able to look at this symbol of everlasting love and know that no matter how far away they were, their brides were thinking of them.